Tossing & Turning

Do you lie awake at night, tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep, only to watch the seconds and minutes slowly tick by, knowing that you’ll feel like a truck hit you the next morning?  There are so many reasons you could be sleeping poorly- from stress and anxiety to actual insomnia, not sleeping is a fairly common problem.   Even knowing that, though, doesn’t mean you’ll magically talk your mind into relaxing for sleep.  Sadly, you just keep thinking about sleeping (or not sleeping) and your level of frustration will only escalate.

This is not exactly beckoning you to sleep.

Have you ever had one of those Hollywood–esque ideas that is so crazy it just might work?  Well, here is one of them, except it’s really not that crazy.  Since stress and anxiety are leading causes of sleep disorders, it’s not a far jump to suggest that less clutter and better organization might aide in better sleep.

For example, when I sit on the floor with my kids, my eye naturally travels under the couch and on top of tables and in nook and crannies.  So, instead of spending quality, in-the-moment time with my children, I am mentally cleaning and that’s all I can think about (OCD, I know- it comes with your first child).

How much more, then, when you’re bored out of your mind and should be sleeping but can’t, are you focusing on the clutter and disorganization around you instead of allowing your mind to turn off?

Some decluttering tips for better sleep

Before it’s time to sleep, take the hour or two (tell me it’s not more than that) to clean your room.  I don’t want to sound like your mom, but you need one right now.

• Hang up your clothes or throw them in the laundry basket (then make a mental note to actually do the laundry tomorrow)- the floor is not made for clothes.
• Dust.  Use a spray or wet cloth or whatever you need and rid yourself of its pesky presence.
• Simplify.  More is sometimes more.  An over-decorated or even over-furnitured room can be mentally overwhelming.
• Spring for a relaxing paint color, such as pale green or a warm cream, instead of stark white or distracting, bold colors.
• Use white noise to block distraction.  Here is a free white noise generator you can try out.  However, a portable sound machine is your best bet so you don’t run your computer all night- plus there are tons of options.  Alternatively, some people use sleep assistants to help clam their minds and bodies.  Go with what works for you.

With minimal effort, you can be more relaxed and sleeping better in your peaceful bedroom.  You’ve got nothing to lose and many hours of sleep to gain.  And, as an added bonus, you’ll get an organized room again.